Vail Daily obituary: Michael Zahnen, 1961-2013

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Michael “Mikey Z” Zahnen, 52, passed away June 23.

He was born Feb. 25, 1961, in Chicago. Mike lived in the Vail Valley from 1993 to 2009. As a lover of the outdoors, he found his first love as a ski instructor in Vail. Mike had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed kayaking, golf, cycling, and fishing. Mike moved to Jackson, Wyo., in 2009, and was a ski instructor at Jackson Hole. His Men’s Club membership with the Mankind Project was also a huge part of his life. Michael is survived by his parents, Joe and Carol Runtz; sister Diana Lee Marziani; brothers Joe Runtz and John Runtz; and Belfry, his wire terrier and constant companion. He was preceded in death by his sister Christine A. Runtz.